Balmain cricket captain to appeal 49-year ban

FORMER captain of the Balmain United Cricket Club, Bobby Sookoo is appealing a ban of 49 years imposed on him by the club.

On July 17, Sookoo was issued documents informing him of the historic ban which must be a record in local club cricket. The reasons given for Sookoo’s ban were — promoting false allegations about the president of the club, tarnishing the club’s reputation; bringing the club into disrepute and verbally abusing players and members.

Secretary of the club, Brent Morgan said that Sookoo caused a controversy about a cheque the club received for finishing runners-up in a 40-over tournament.

“We received $3,000 and Sookoo was asking for $1,500 for himself with the club keeping the remainder,” said Morgan. He stated that the club needed the money to use for the forthcoming season due to the increase in costs to compete.

“Club registration is $600 and then registering a player is $25, increasing from $10. Then we have to buy gears, maintain covers and provide tea for matches,” said Morgan.

Balmain United have informed the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) about its decision to ban Sookoo. Morgan believes the ban given to the club’s former captain is “fair” taking into consideration the actions of the player.

“This player has been on the radar for the past two years and we have been observing his conduct and this eventually resulted in this face-off. We want him out of the club after the problems he has caused,” said Morgan.

However, Sookoo when contacted denied all the allegations made against him. He said that the club is trying to distract from the real issue of corruption.

“The Central Zone had its presentation function on July 12 and a top official collected the cheque due to us as runners-up on July 8. Why could he not wait until the function to collect the cheque? He tried to pocket the money for himself and when I raised the issue they called a meeting and banned me for 49 years,” said Sookoo.

He criticised the executive of the Central Zone for giving the cheque to the Balmain official before the function adding that they contributed to the problem.

He revealed that within the last year a top-ranking member of the club physically attacked the former treasurer and opening batsman in the club resulting in serious injuries.

However he said no disclipinary action was taken against the offending official.

“I never asked to keep any money. This was a team effort and the money should have been used on the team to have a lime to celebrate the achievement and show appreciation.

“They said that I cursed players and that is why I was banned. But if I cursed players why did they not ban me during the season? Why wait until the tournament was done to take this action?” queried Sookoo.

He noted that the decision of the club’s executive was unconstitutional since there were no elections to install the present administration.

“The official is a dictator and people were appointed by him. Brent Morgan is not even the secretary. He is the club treasurer but the official’s son is really the secretary. But he did not want the ban to look like a father/son decision so Morgan signed the letter. Our details in the bank has Morgan registered as the treasurer,” said Sookoo.

So far Sookoo has personally given copies of his appeal to president of the TTCB, Deryck Murray with a copy for Chief Executive Officer, Forbes Persaud.

“It has been 15 days now and there has been no reply. I have lost faith in the TTCB and will be seeking legal action and having the matter investigated. My name has been slandered and I will be taking the necessary action to correct that since I was not given any chance to defend myself,” said Sookoo.

The official at the centre of the current controversy was also in the spotlight last year accused of misappropriation of funds which resulted in an interim committee being put in place by the TTCB to run the affairs of the zone.

T&T Newsday